Former Indian middle-order batter Mohammad Kaif has reserved big praise for an Indian middle-order batter who he thinks was ready for the T20 World Cup but wasn’t picked for the shortest-format megaevent. According to him, the Indian team missed a trick by not selecting the star wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala, who was in good touch during the home series against South Africa, which was played just before the start of the shortest format megaevent.
In his analysis of India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup, in which they made an exit after suffering a 10-wicket defeat against England in the second semifinal match, Kaif said that Sanju Samson was ready for the World Cup but was not selected, and it was a big mistake.
“Speaking of the future, I think one player was ready but was still not picked for the World Cup. Sanju Samson was ready for the No. 5 position. He has been playing in the IPL for many years and has been leading the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as well. He guided them to the finals too this year,” he told SportsKeeda.
According to Kaif, Sanju is a batter who has the ability to take on spinners and hit them for boundaries at will.
“Samson played match-winning knocks in the West Indies. When 2–3 wickets fall, he comes in and attacks. He has the ability to take on spinners and hit them for fours and sixes. He was ready but was not picked for the World Cup. That was a mistake.”
Sanju, who has played in 10 ODIs and 16 T20Is for Men in Blue, would like to make the most of the upcoming opportunities against New Zealand after being disappointed not to make the Indian team’s 15-man squad.
The 28-year-old cricketer is likely to find a place in the playing XI even if there are two other stumpers available in the squad.
